Como Front Dale Commercial Corridor Micro-Grant Program
Funding provided by the St. Paul Commercial Corridors Grant
Purpose
The purpose of the Como Front Dale Commercial Corridor micro grant is to assist owners or tenants of small businesses (a) to improve the exterior/interior of their building; (b) to improve the public right of way and private open spaces including but not limited to benches, public art, long-term landscaping, permanently affixed garbage receptacles, etc; and (c) to invest in projects that result in positive economic development and have corridor-wide benefits that can be tracked and reported. All capital improvements must be permanently affixed and plan to last seven or more years.
Boundaries
Commercial properties and public right of way located in the Como Front Dale Corridor as outlined in the St. Paul Commercial Corridors Map - this includes:
- Como from Grotto to Burgess
- Front from Grotto to Mackubin
- Dale from Maryland to Topping
- Maryland from Dale to Mackubin
If you are outside of these boundaries, but are still in the Como/Front/Dale Corridor, please contact district10@district10comopark.org for consideration before you submit your application.
Objectives
- To encourage business improvement and development by offering grants to businesses and property owners
- To stimulate private investment for projects that enhances the appearance of commercial buildings and businesses
- Grow economic vitality of the neighborhood
- Enhance local destinations for shopping, dining, art, and entertainment
- Invest in improvements that demonstrate the vibrancy of the neighborhood both private and public
- Consideration will be given to projects that may face barriers to traditional loans, revitalize vacant spaces, create new local jobs, and bring or enhance the vitality of Como Front Dale.
- To support business owners who wish to adopt green building standards for new buildings and use energy saving equipment- electrical, appliances, HVAC systems.
Eligible Uses / Guidelines
Funds can be used (a) to improve the exterior/interior of their building; (b) to improve the public right of way and private open spaces (e.g., patios) including but not limited to benches, public art, long-term landscaping, permanently affixed garbage receptacles, etc; and (c) for projects that result in positive economic development and have corridor-wide benefits that can be tracked and reported.
Public Benefits
- Support business nodes in the Como Front Dale Corridor
- Improve the visual attributes of commercial buildings
- Consistency with neighborhood plans
- Improve the visual quality of the neighborhood
- Revitalize vacant spaces
Site Control
Applicants need to have site control of the property through ownership or lease of at least seven years. Applicants who are tenants must have a signed lease and property owners written approval.
Selection Process
Applicants will be asked to complete an application AND present their projects to the CFD Collective at their monthly meeting (2nd Monday of the month at 11am). Completed applications will be submitted to the CFD Collective Team and the Como Community Council Land Use Committee. These groups utilize a scorecard to rank individual applications. If recommended the project moves to the Como Community Council Board of Directors for final approval. This is a first come first serve opportunity and there is no guarantee a project will be funded.
Review Period
Up to Thirty (30) days upon completion of application (form and presentation) to review and accept the application.
Project Completion Deadline: Projects are to be completed within 120 days of the approved application.
Questions or requests for a paper application can be sent to:
Shevek McKee, Executive Director
D10 Como Community Council
Phone: 651-243-1085
Email: district10@district10comopark.org
Project Administration and Compliance
The District 10 Como Community Council will administer the grant. Staff will assist applicants with all compliance requirements. Funding is from the St. Paul Commercial Corridors Grant.